Washington, Johnson counties collaborating to create Teen CERT

WASHINGTON - Washington County Emergency Management is teaming up with Johnson County Emergency Management to try and instill emergency preparedness in youth. The counties have announced they are looking to create a Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Marisa Reisen, Emergency Management Coordinator for Washington County, said the equipment for the CERT team was ordered by the previous emergency management coordinator. Reisen took over in 2017 and about a year ago, re-initiated the program.

The training is 16 hours long and teaches a basic level of preparedness, she said. Participants are not certified or licensed, but receive training in first aid, general disaster response, fire suppression, basic search and rescue, and basic survival skills.

The adult CERT class was attended by about 20 people from both Johnson and Washington Counties, she said. Johnson County had a robust program years ago and was looking to rebuild. Partnering with Washington County became the effective way to do so.

'With us being neighbors we knew we could collaborate on a program and do the trainings together,” she said.

The advantage to having the training, she said, is that it enables leadership skills in a person when a disaster occurs.

'Going through the training increases an individual's level of preparedness. That's an advantage for yourself and your family. We're not immune to disaster's here so having whatever information you can get puts you in a better place for the day when it happens here,” she said.

Once the training is complete, the individual has the option of becoming a member of the team. Reisen said members of the team could then be possibly called out to help in case of a disaster because they have a basic level of training that is higher than the general public.

Now, the counties are teaming up to begin a program for teens, she said. The program will teach all of the same skills but will take them down to a more standard level. Students high school age and above are eligible to participate.

'It's a great way to introduce students to emergency response,” she said adding it is especially helpful for those who are invested in a career in firefighting, EMS or law enforcement.

She said it is also beneficial for students who go off to college because an extra level of preparedness can only be beneficial.

'As you move out of the house and move on with your life, it's just great knowledge to have,” she said.

Any individuals, schools or groups interested in creating a Teen CERT team are encouraged to contact Reisen at: 319-653-7794 or mreisen@co.washington.ia.us.